March 2024 | 45th EDITION NEWSLETTER | |
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4 Ways to Rethink Your Strategy
FastCompany | Mike Keech | February 19, 2024
Not all executives understand what strategy is and how to approach it.
Unpredictable change and disruption are constants in business today. As leaders, we must relentlessly rethink our understanding of where markets are headed, how to adjust on the fly, keep and acquire customers, build the right teams, and make rapid decisions.
The right path remains forever foggy in a world of ambiguity and contradiction.
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How I Embrace Sustainable Productivity with These 5 Principles
Zapier | Rochi Zalani | December 12, 2023
Call it what you want—sustainable productivity, intentional living, healthy productivity—all of us want to be productive without burning ourselves out. But earlier this year, I was stuck in a pendulum swing between hustle culture and vilifying productivity. On the glorifying busyness side, I "utilized" every minute, and on the other end of the spectrum, I scorned efficiency.
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I just wanted to thank you both so much for including me in the IEC and MEC this year. The incredible amount of time and energy you put into the conferences in unbelievable, but the love you have shines through and I think brings a collaborative spirit for everyone to learn and share. So THANK YOU for all you do!
MEC Speaker Lindsey K. Niemeier | Head of Strategy TCare
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These Orgs Hired a Chief AI Officer. Does Your Company Need One?
HR Executive | Jill Barth | February 14, 2024
With the ascent of AI-driven platforms and services, many companies are seeking machine learning leadership and expertise to keep their business strong. That’s leading some organizations to invest in a chief AI officer (CAIO), a position that experts say is expected to grow alongside the complexities of automation and artificial intelligence.
Does your company need a CAIO? According to Asha Palmer, senior vice president of compliance for HR tech firm Skillsoft, staffing the AI leadership position depends on the needs of the company. AI leadership hiring should be “industry- and company-specific,” says Palmer.
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One In Four Companies Will Comment on Sociopolitical Issues Less Frequently Going Forward, Survey Finds
HR Brew | Kristen Parisi | February 13, 2024
CHROs and CEOs should have political statements processes, but most don’t, one expert points out.
Many companies have, in recent years, taken stances both internally and publicly on sociopolitical events, from the 2020 police murder of George Floyd to the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. And they’re not about to stop, according to a University of South Carolina survey of 171 CHROs in the US between May and June 2023.
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This Woman Withdrew from the Interview Process After Being Told She Was the Strongest Candidate. The Reasons Are Instructive for Any Hiring Manager
Inc. | Suzanne Lucas – Evil HR Lady | February 8, 2024
One week ago, a New York City-based copywriter named Lauren Baer posted on LinkedIn saying that she had recently withdrawn her candidacy from a job. She loved the company. She was a strong candidate. So what went wrong?
In the post, Baer explained precisely why she said enough is enough -- and her reasons are a great lesson for every business owner and hiring manager out there.
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The conference was great and you and your team were awesome hosts. I imagine that you’ll see members of my team every year!!
Garon Holman – Law Enforcement Corrections Officer
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Managing Employee Absenteeism
MEC Sponsor Tesseon | February 15, 2024
Welcome to a subtle, yet pivotal arena of the workplace, where the ongoing struggle between presence and absence unfolds, shaping much more than the daily headcount. This is the realm where absenteeism subtly undermines the pillars of productivity and team unity. Picture your office bustling with activity, deadlines being met with efficiency, and teams at their full potential, only to be hindered by the growing instances of vacant chairs and silent workplaces left by absent colleagues.
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How Leaders Miscommunicate When Tensions Are High
Harvard Business Review | Liz Fosslien | February 20, 2024
“I know our industry is going through it. To reassure my teams that they’ll be okay, I’ve been deliberately and visibly celebrating their successes,” Eric, the head of a 300+ person department at a technology company, told me last year. “But it’s not working.” While Eric’s organization had no plans to do layoffs, several key competitors had recently made sizable cuts. Eric wanted to help his people feel less anxious as stress-inducing headlines continued to dominate the news. He was particularly concerned about the results of a recent employee engagement survey, which indicated that his teams were far less comfortable asking questions or admitting mistakes than they had been in the past.
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The Most Common Causes of Screening Delays
Peopletrail.com | February 19, 2024
Time-to-hire is a critical metric for almost any staffing agency and HR department, large or small. Employers need to fill seats, and employees need to fill mouths; there isn’t much time for unwanted bottlenecks.
As an employment screening partner, we understand the frustrations that unforeseen delays in the screening process can cause. While just a small piece of the hiring undertaking, screening has become an integral part of the equation, and delays can extend hiring dates and cause strain if not duly accounted for and addressed.
The truth is that delays can often be shortened or altogether avoided, but not always.
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How to Make Peace with a Company Decision You Don’t Like
Harvard Business Review | Cheryl Strauss Einhorn
February 19, 2024
When Hurricane Idalia struck the northern coast of Florida last year, it wreaked havoc on the home-building company where Elisia worked as a project manager. Several partially completed projects were destroyed, and material in the company’s warehouse and lumber yard were ruined.
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Time Off for Voting: What HR Needs to Know
HR Brew | Adam DeRose | February 12, 2024
As states hold primary contests ahead of the 2024 general election, HR pros can plan for potential absences for voting.
Election season is upon us. With the Iowa Republican caucus and New Hampshire primary in the rearview mirror, the rest of the country is gearing up for a series of contests that will dominate our national attention until November.
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HR 101: How Did Napping at Work Become a Thing?
HR Brew | Amanda Schiavo | February 9, 2024
Don’t feel guilty about catching some Zs at work. Welcome to HR 101. Class is now in session. Today’s discussion will focus on the history of napping at work—but remember, there’s no napping in class. The history. Remember that episode of Seinfeld when George refurbished the underside of his desk so he could sneak in a midday nap? When that episode dropped in 1997, the writers probably didn’t know that napping at work would one day be considered by some to be normal.
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Do You Still Need Salespeople?
FastCompany | Lior Arussy | February 19, 2024
The role of salespeople has radically changed in the age of customer empowerment. Picture a scenario where customers are well-versed in your cost structures and negotiate from a position of knowledge. This is the new reality, and for many, it can be a daunting prospect. The auto industry has navigated this terrain for over a decade, with customers armed with VIN (vehicle identification numbers) costs, ready to assert their advantage. Salespeople find themselves at a disadvantage.
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EMPLOYERS SHOULD PREPARE NOW FOR THE UPCOMING H-1B FILING DEADLINE H1B FY 2025 UPDATE
MEC Sponsor | McMahon Berger | Arturo Hernandez | February 9, 2024
The H-1B nonimmigrant visa is reserved for professionals in a specialty occupation, defined as those positions which require theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge in a field of human endeavor. Professions that qualify as a specialty occupation generally include architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical and social sciences, education, law, business specialties, and others that require a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. If approved, H-1B visas are valid for three years, with the possibility of an extension for an additional three years.
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Training Requirements and Resources
OSHA provides information on employers' training requirements and offers resources such as free publications, videos, and other assistance to help employers protect workers against injuries and illnesses.
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OSHA provides safety and health resources specifically designed for small businesses. Find information on complying with OSHA standards and receive advice you can trust through OSHA's no-cost and confidential On-Site Consultation Program.
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A New Year – A Great Time to Focus on Your Financial Future
Lisa M. Gomez | January 3, 2024
Happy New Year! As we welcome another year, it’s a great time to focus on your financial future. Whether you’re beginning your career or have been working for many years, now is the perfect time to learn about your retirement options (or refresh your memory!), review your progress, adjust your plan for reaching your retirement savings goal if needed, and take action. Here are some tips to help you get started:
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Employer Resources
When you hire a new employee, you must verify their identity and employment eligibility using Form I-9. You may be among the nearly 3 million proactive worksites that also use E-Verify to electronically verify Form I-9 information. The checklists, videos, and other English resources on this page will help you understand your responsibilities and make the hiring process easy.
Check out the resources customized for employers like you.
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Employers
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. These laws protect employees and job applicants against employment discrimination when it involves:
- Unfair treatment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
- Harassment by managers, co-workers, or others in the workplace, because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
- Denial of a reasonable workplace accommodation that the employee needs because of religious beliefs, disability, or pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
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Retaliation because the employee complained about job discrimination or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit.
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PRESENTING SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT | |
Bukaty Companies is one of Kansas City’s top-ranked employee benefits and insurance brokerage firms. Contact Kent Friend 913-777-7535 for more info! | |
THIS YEAR'S BUSINESS BUZZ
Amid this year's shifting trends and emerging regulations, employers must continually take note of topics that will influence business operations. Failure to keep up with the latest business buzz could result in a compliance faux pass or outdated business practice. From social influences to legislative updates, these four current events may impact company policies and processes.
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Had a phenomenal time at the Missouri Employment Conference! I appreciate all the love!
MEC Speaker Reggie Harris
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Everyone was super easy to work with. It was a well put together event and you guys knocked it out of the park!
MEC Vendor William Holtz | Multimedia Broadcast Journalist at Lake TV
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The MEC article library is growing monthly with valuable information relevant to the ever-changing work environment. Check the website frequently for updates. If you have something important for our readers to benefit from, reach out to us to be included in the next newsletter or article library! | |
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STRONG MINDS | STRONG HEARTS | |
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SERVANT LEADERSHIP
By definition, Servant Leadership is a leadership philosophy in which the goal of the leader is to serve. If you are in a place where your talent and skills will help others, by all means, use them. We are proud of the work our leaders have done and hope that if you are in a place to serve, you choose to step up.
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JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING.
Together, we can raise awareness, educate and work towards bringing an end to human trafficking.
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12 Top Midwest Spring Break Destinations in 2024
An Apple a Plane | Alyssa | December 3, 2023
Planning to take a Midwest spring break this year? This guide has the top Midwest spring break destinations to plan an epic trip in 2024.
From world-class destinations like urban Chicago to smaller cities like Milwaukee, the Midwest isn’t always mid. Explore waterfalls in underrated state parks and small towns along Lake Michigan. Check a national park (or two!) off your list! There are tons of Midwest spring break destinations for every budget. Beaches, bustling cities, and national parks bring variety to the table for everyone.
From someone who was born and raised in the Midwest, I can confirm that there are tons of places to get off the beaten path. It might not have the dramatic mountainous landscape of the West Coast, but the Midwest is worthy of a visit.
The best part is that many of the Midwest spring break destinations in this guide can be combined for an epic road trip.
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50 Best Soup Recipes to Warm You Up
The Pioneer Woman | Kara Zauberman and Georgia Goode
January 2, 2024
Slurping is totally allowed!
Mmm, soup! Is there anything more comforting? If you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch or a cozy family dinner, we’ve got the best soup recipes for every occasion. Not only does a bowl of soup feel like the cure-all for any cold-weather symptoms, but it’s also the easiest way to pack in some extra veggies and protein into your day. There are creamy soup recipes that are pure comfort food, thick winter stews, and broth-y soups that are definitely worth slurping! Ahead, you’ll find our best soup recipes including tasty chowders and slow cooker soups.
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HELP AN HR HERO WIN A $50 VISA GIFT CARD!
Do you know someone in your HR department (or company-wide) who deserves to be recognized for making a positive impact in your company from day to day??
Whether personal or professional, in a big or a small way, we all know those people who go above & beyond for the greater good.
We want to help these everyday (H)eroes be (R)ecognized! Send your nominations to us & one deserving person each month leading up to the current conference will be selected to receive a $50 VISA gift card! We will announce the winner in the following month's newsletters.
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MARCH MADNESS
Who can think of basketball when the conference is going to be here in May?!
The conference does compare to basketball in many ways. Both require teamwork, a drive to practice and prefect your craft as well as an individual drive to succeed. Both require discipline, leadership, excellent communication and a positive attitude. So bring your core values and a positive mindset and get ready for an exciting event!
The conference is back with a bang, featuring some of the best speakers in the industry. This year, thanks to our titanium sponsor, Bukaty Companies, we have networking yacht style! That’s Lake of the Ozarks baby! Register to attend the conference and you will enjoy a two-hour networking event on our very own yacht with drinks and snacks. What
can be better than that?! We say nothing!
Networking in style is an excellent opportunity to expand your network and learn from the best in the business. If you haven't registered yet, now is the perfect time to do so. Join us for an unforgettable experience and learn about the latest developments in the field of human resources and employment law. We can't wait to see you there!
Nan, Sue & the MEC Team
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